Death of Fil-Am soldier in Afghanistan being investigated

The Department of Defense announced that 32-year-old Staff Sgt. Diobanjo S. Sanagustin  of National City, California died at Bagram Air Field on Tuesday, September 1. His death is being investigated. FACEBOOK

NATIONAL CITY, California — A Filipino American U.S. Army sergeant from the San Diego, California area has died from a non-combat related injury at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan.

The Department of Defense announced that 32-year-old Staff Sgt. Diobanjo S. Sanagustin  of National City, California died at Bagram Air Field on Tuesday, September 1. His death is being investigated.

The Gazette reported that the 11-year Army veteran was found dead at the complex north of Kabul. He was originally from the Philippines and became a U.S. citizen in 2008 during a ceremony with other members of the military in Kuwait.

He served as a squad leader within the 4th Infantry Division’s 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team based in Fort Carson, Colorado. He joined the army in May 2007 and deployed three times, once each to Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

His commander, Lt. Col. David Uthlaut, said Sanagustin made a lasting impact on his unit and his memory will be cherished.

Sanagustin, of National City, was assigned to 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division,

He was in Afghanistan supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, an overseas counterterrorism mission, the DoD said. Sanagustin was given over 20 awards throughout his service.